Major city · United States
St. Helena
Base here 1–2 nights if you want walkable dinners and tasting rooms on Main Street; skip it as a day trip from San Francisco (2 h each way).
St. Helena is a small Napa Valley town on Highway 29, about 2 h north of San Francisco by car. Main Street holds tasting rooms, restaurants and hotels within a 15-minute walk, but the wineries along the highway are spread out and need a car, bike or hired driver. Two nights covers a relaxed tasting weekend; one night is enough if you are driving the valley.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct (check)
- avoid Jul–Aug (hot, busy), harvest weekends Sep–Oct (book far ahead) (check)
- Airports
- SFO · OAK · STS
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for St. Helena911 ▾
- Police, fire, ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about St. Helena, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetySt.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police, fire, ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportcheckSFO San Francisco International (Drive via US-101, CA-37 and CA-29; about 2–2.5 h (check)).
- Getting aroundDowntown is walkable in 10–15 minutes end to end.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeUS$4–6 (check)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi or hired car, town to wineryUS$20–40 (check)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a weekUS$15–30
- Budget bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$110
- Mid-range bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$180
- High-end bedBudget motel room, a night, per roomUS$290
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$120 · Mid US$250 · High US$500
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- SFO San Francisco International (Drive via US-101, CA-37 and CA-29; about 2–2.5 h (check)) · OAK Oakland (Drive via CA-37 and CA-29; about 2 h (check)) · STS Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County (Sonoma County airport; drive time and flight schedule check)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Feb
not flagged
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Mar
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Apr
Best
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
May
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jun
Best
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
Jul
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Aug
Avoid
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
Sep
Care
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
Oct
Care
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
Nov
not flagged
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Dec
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Best: Apr–Jun. Mixed: Sep–Oct. Avoid: Jul–Aug. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)), coolest Jan (3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C) low), wettest Jan (10 rain days), driest Jul (0). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
St. Helena: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
Feb
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
9 rd
Mar
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
9 rd
Apr
21°C (70°F)70°F (21°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
5 rd
May
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3 rd
Jun
29°C (84°F)84°F (29°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
1 rd
Jul
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
0 rd
Aug
32°C (90°F)90°F (32°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
0 rd
Sep
31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
1 rd
Oct
26°C (79°F)79°F (26°C)
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
3 rd
Nov
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
7 rd
Dec
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
10 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Downtown is walkable in 10–15 minutes end to end. Wineries on Highway 29 are 2–8 km apart, so plan on a car, a bike, or a hired driver/taxi for tastings. Do not drive after tasting: alcohol affects people differently and California's limit is strict, so hire a driver or use a spit bucket. Rideshare coverage in the valley is thin, especially late evening — book a driver in advance.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 20 min
CA-29 north by car, about 15–20 min
Hot springs and mud baths; easy half-day add-on.
Yountville
goDoor to door: About 15 min
CA-29 south by car, about 15 min
Restaurant-heavy village; book dinner well ahead.
Rutherford
goDoor to door: About 10 min
CA-29 south by car, about 8–10 min
More wineries on the same highway; combine with Yountville.
Napa
goDoor to door: About 35 min
CA-29 south by car, about 30–35 min
Bigger town for supplies, a wider restaurant choice and the riverfront.
Oakville
goDoor to door: About 15 min
CA-29 south by car, about 15 min
Small tasting-room stop between Rutherford and Yountville.
San Francisco
skipDoor to door: 2–2.5 h
Car via CA-29, CA-37 and US-101
Too far for a comfortable same-day return; stay the night instead.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Main Street (downtown)
Walk to tasting rooms, restaurants and shops; most hotels and inns sit on or just off Main Street.
Highway 29 corridor
Wineries and resorts north and south of town; you need a car or taxi for every meal.
Meadowood Lane area
Resort and spa properties set back from town; quiet, but a drive from Main Street.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- US$120–180 excl. bed (check)
- Mid
- US$200–350 excl. bed (check)
- High
- US$400+ excl. bed (check)
Trip budget
| Inn or B&B double room1 × 2 nights × US$300 | US$600 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 2 days × US$250 | US$1,000 |
| Wine tasting fees, per winery2 × US$60 · check | US$120 |
| Hired driver or limo, half day1 × US$250 · check | US$250 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × US$20 | US$40 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$201 |
| Trip total≈ US$553 per person per day, bed included | US$2,211 |
2026 estimate in US dollars; prices exclude sales tax and tasting fees. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | US$4–6 (check) |
| Burger and fries at a roadside stand | US$12–18 (check) |
| Main Street dinner, per person before drinks | US$30–70 (check) |
| Wine tasting flightreservations often required | US$40–90 (check) |
| Taxi or hired car, town to winery | US$20–40 (check) |
| Spa massage, 60 min | US$120–200 (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | US$15–30 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Never drive after wine tasting; hire a driver, taxi or limo, or spit and use a spit bucket.
- Rideshare cars can be scarce after about 21:00; arrange a return ride before your last tasting.Rideshare cars can be scarce after about 9:00 PM; arrange a return ride before your last tasting.
- Tasting fees are often US$40–90 per person and many wineries require reservations — book ahead.
- Summer afternoons regularly top 32°C (90°F) and the valley can be smoky during wildfire season; check air quality before you go.Summer afternoons regularly top 90°F (32°C) and the valley can be smoky during wildfire season; check air quality before you go.
- Highway 29 backs up on weekends and during harvest (Sep–Oct); allow extra time.
Emergency numbers
- Police, fire, ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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St. HelenaSt. Helena
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
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—
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To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, fire, ambulance911
- St. Helena Police (non-emergency)707-967-2850
- Napa County Sheriff (non-emergency)707-253-4451
Embassy
No consulates in St. Helena; nearest consulates-general are in San Francisco (check the address for your country).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- SFO → St. Helena by car: about 2–2.5 h, 100 km (62 mi)about 2–2.5 h, 62 mi (100 km)
- St. Helena → Calistoga by car: about 15–20 min
- Hired driver, half day: US$150–400 per group
Say or show
- Where is the tasting room? — Where is the tasting room?
- A table for two, please — A table for two, please
- Can I pay by card? — Can I pay by card?
- No wine for me, I am driving — No wine for me, I am driving
- Could you call a taxi? — Could you call a taxi?
- Where is the toilet? — Where is the toilet?
Tipping: 18–22% at sit-down restaurants, US$1–2 a drink at bars, 15–20% for taxis.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for St. Helena. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct (check) · avoid Jul–Aug (hot, busy), harvest weekends Sep–Oct (book far ahead) (check) · month by month →
- 3 airports and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for SFO, OAK and STS: drive times field-checked, rideshare fallback, late-arrival rung.
- Four walking clusters with rescue anchors: Main Street core, Highway 29 north, Highway 29 south, Meadowood Lane.
- Place pages with verified opening hours and tasting-fee bands for Beringer, Charles Krug, V. Sattui, Heitz Cellar, Louis M. Martini and Whitehall Lane.
- Eat pages with last orders and reservation rules for Main Street restaurants and Gott's Roadside.